Register

Set up a seller's account by providing a valid credit or debit card and bank account information.

Sign up to accept PayPal

PayPal enables you to accept buyers' credit card payments online. To keep eBay a safe place for both buyers and sellers, sellers who register after 17th January, 2007 are required to offer either PayPal or a merchant account credit card as an accepted payment method for their items. You can sign up for PayPal. If you've got a question about PayPal, check the PayPal Help pages.

Fill in the Sell Your Item form

The Sell Your Item form is where you create your eBay listing. Access the form by clicking "Sell" at the top of any eBay page. Here are some of the sections you'll be asked to complete.

• Select a category

  Explore eBay categories before you list to help you choose the most appropriate category for your item. Try searching for similar items and see what categories have been used. Choosing more than one category improves your chances of selling your item (and incurs additional listing fees).

• Select item specifics

  This option is only available for certain categories. If you see it, fill in the details to help your item sell fast. More about item specifics.

• Choose a title

  Be clear, complete, and descriptive. Your title should include words you would use if you were searching for similar items. View tips on titles.

• Add pictures

  Attract more buyers with pictures. You can use eBay Picture Hosting, which lets you add pictures straight from the selling form - and offers some attention-grabbing options. Or you can click Self Hosting to use your own hosting service.

• Write an item description

  Here's your chance to really describe and promote your item. Sometimes it's easier to write your description in a text document first, and then cut and paste it into the item description area in the Sell Your Item Form. Be clear and complete. Be accurate in sharing the history of your item and why someone would want to buy it. Read how to write a good description.

• Choose a selling format
  Are you selling through eBay's classic online auction-style format, setting a fixed price or listing via your own eBay Shop? More about selling formats.

• Choose pricing and listing duration

  How long do you want your listing to last? How many items are you selling? What is your starting price? Would you like to use a reserve price or sell with Buy It Now?

• Enter payment and postage information

  How will you accept payment from your buyer when your listing ends? eBay recommends offering PayPal - the fast, easy and secure way to accept credit card or bank account payments.

  Reminder: Sellers who register after 17th January, 2007 are required to offer either PayPal or a merchant account credit card as an accepted payment method for their items. Where will you send your item and who will pay for that cost? The more details you include on the Sell Your Item form, you will receive fewer questions from buyers and the end of your listing will be easier.

• Provide item location

  Where is your item located? It’s a good idea to include the town/city or region where the item is located. To what countries or regions are you willing to post? And who will pay for that cost? The more details you include on the Sell Your Item form, the fewer questions you’ll receive from buyers. This will ensure a smoother transaction.

• Increase your item's visibility

  Explore the many listing upgrades (such as bold, subtitle, etc) that can help your item stand out from the other listings. Choose the options that are right for you.

Review and submit your listing

Now you'll see a preview of your listing and a summary of its details. You'll also see a breakdown of the listing fees you'll be charged. If you're satisfied with the fees and you've finished your description, submit your listing.

And when your listing ends…

Communicate with your buyer

You are obliged to go through with the sale once the listing has ended. Learn more.

Drop your buyer an email to thank them for their purchase and give them contact details such as your telephone number or address for payment. You can also send the buyer an invoice from My eBay.

Important: You should try to phone the buyer if you haven't heard from them, or if the buyer hasn't completed checkout within three days of your listing's end.

Receive payment

If the buyer paid with PayPal, you'll receive an email confirming payment. If you haven't yet registered to receive PayPal payments, you'll be prompted to register to accept the payment.

Send the item to the buyer

Package your item securely using protective wrapping to ensure no damage during transit. Make sure any parts of the item that are fragile are well padded and are located toward the centre of the box if possible.

Leave feedback for the buyer

eBay's feedback system helps create trust within the eBay online marketplace. Your feedback about your buyer is important information for other sellers.